Paddock Wood STARTRACK 2018

Paddock Wood AC held its 27th Startrack week during the 1st week in August. Luckily the fine weather carried on for the week with just a shower first thing Monday. About 60 children took part, some for the whole week, some for the odd day, but it gave them all a chance to try their hand at all the jumps (except pole-vault), throws and various running events.

On Monday James Whitaker, the British Javelin Champion who trains at the Paddock Wood track, came and talked to the children wearing his GB kit and his British Champs gold medal. He showed them how he started and progressed. Then demonstrated his throwing technique. The children then had the chance to ask questions.

The week culminated in competitions, with every athlete doing a run, jump and throw to earn points for their team. Then each team took part in the obstacle relay. The teams this year were past cities that had hosted the European Championships. Amsterdam, Helsinki, Berlin and Zurich. Just 30 points separated the top 2 teams. With Zurich taking the top prize. The top boy and girl in the different age groups won a trophy. In the 6/7/8 years group Zac Howard won the boys and Masie Chalklen won the girls. Maurice Roberts won the 9/10 year old group and Amelia Salmon took the girls. Joe Stone for the second year running took the 11/12 year group with Lucy Tallon taking the girls – again for the second year. Alex Gray took the 13/14 group along with Lauren Harker. Everyone went away with a goodie bag and T-Shirt.